Emma Raducanu’s first appearance in Australia for the 2026 United Cup has already been a news-making moment — but not just because she’s set to represent Great Britain on her first major team stage of the season. The former US Open champion has taken the opportunity to officially squash two of the biggest rumours swirling around her career at the moment — and her responses were as clear and confident as her game. Tennis365+1
📌 1. Rumour About Switching Sponsorship — Still with Nike (…for now)
Social media and tennis business insiders had been speculating that Raducanu was on the verge of ending her long-standing clothing deal with Nike and signing with Uniqlo — a move that would have mirrored the late-career switch made by Roger Federer to the Japanese brand. Tennisuptodate.com
But Raducanu’s first training session in Perth ahead of the United Cup was pretty telling — she arrived on court wearing Nike gear, not Uniqlo or any rival kit, effectively putting that speculation to rest — at least for now. While there’s still potential for a switch after her current deal expires at the end of the year, she has dismissed the idea that the Adidas-like move is happening immediately. Tennis365
⚠️ 2. Rumour About Being Held Back by Injury — Raducanu Says She’s Fit and Ready
Another persistent storyline in recent weeks was that Raducanu might be hampered by a lingering foot problem that ended her previous season early. After months of speculation and questions about her fitness heading into the new campaign, her appearance in Australia put that to rest too. Tennis365
Despite early suggestions that she might be limited or eased into the season because of physical concerns, Raducanu publicly reaffirmed she’s in a strong place both on and off the court. She’s spoken about feeling “content with how things are going” and emphasised that she’s building gradually and holistically with her team — blending fitness into her overall preparation rather than seeing it as a separate hurdle she’s battling. Tennis365
🔥 Raducanu’s Big Picture in Australia
Raducanu isn’t just arriving for training — she’s officially part of the Great Britain United Cup team, set to play in the highly anticipated mixed-gender event that opens the WTA and ATP season. With teammate Jack Draper also in tow, all eyes are on a rebuild that could set the tone for her best year yet. Tennis365
Her Australian arrival comes at a time when Raducanu has been quietly improving her tennis and mindset after a period of ups and downs. She’s still working to recapture the consistency that launched her to stardom after her 2021 US Open triumph — but banishing these two rumours early could be a psychological boost. Tennis365
💬 Fans Are Loving Her Clarity
Social media reaction to Raducanu’s responses has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters are praising her for putting the gossip to rest with poise — and for showing that she’s focused on tennis and her own progress, not distractions. Tennisuptodate.com
Whether she’s continuing with Nike through 2025 or decides to test new sponsorship waters in 2026, one thing is clear: Raducanu is writing her own script this season — and she’s doing it on her own terms. 🎾💥
